INTRODUCING THE SHE’S GOT NEXT 2026
STARTING FIVE
Our inaugural cohort of athletes recognized for their leadership, contribution, and what’s still to come.
Athletes selected from applicants across Canada
Directed to women athletes and sports programs in 2026.
Made possible by the SGN community. ❤️
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One-third of every membership fee supports Canadian women athletes and sports programs.
THE 2026 RECIPIENTS
These are the five women our community is proud to stand behind this year. Each has already made an impact on teammates, campuses, and communities through the way they lead, contribute, and show up for others. Now we’re excited to help open doors for what comes next.
Emma Campbell
HOCKEY, WESTERN UNIVERSITY | HOMETOWN – SPRINGWATER, ON
BSC KINESIOLOGY → MASTER OF MANAGEMENT OF APPLIED SCIENCE
Emma has spent nearly two decades in hockey, including five years at Western as a captain, Wellness Lead, mentor, and advocate for her teammates. She served on the Mustangs Athlete Student Council, helped connect teammates with mental health resources, became a Hockey Gives Blood Ambassador, and mentored a young athlete through the Girls Forward Foundation. As she begins a Master of Management (Applied Science), she’s preparing for a career in professional sport or healthcare, bringing the same leadership and care for others that defined her time on the ice. Emma is exactly the kind of leader who makes the people around her better, and we’re excited to support what comes next.
"This award is an incredible honour and a reminder of the impact that investing in people can have. I’m grateful for the leaders who came before me and helped shape who I am, and I’m excited to join a community committed to learning from and supporting one another. I hope to pay that forward by creating those same opportunities for the next generation."
Tia Jordo
RUGBY · UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA | HOMETOWN – KELOWNA, BC
FACULTY OF ARTS → SENIOR NATIONAL TEAM
Tia joined UBC’s rugby program as a walk-on and became an integral part of back-to-back U SPORTS national championship teams. Along the way, she helped capture multiple CanWest titles, represented BC at the inaugural Canada Summer Games rugby sevens, and co-captained UBC’s undefeated CanWest championship team. When injury sidelined her this season, she found new ways to lead from the sidelines while continuing to coach young athletes and run clinics in communities like her hometown of Kelowna. With her sights set on representing Canada on the HSBC SVNS Series and at future Olympics and World Cups, Tia is proving that leadership isn’t just about how you compete—it’s about how you show up for others.
"This award is such an exciting opportunity to showcase female varsity athletes, and help bridge that gap between university and our national teams. As I transition out of my time at UBC, this award helps to support many aspects of this change, and I can't wait to see where it goes."
Jessica Kim
FLAG FOOTBALL · WESTERN UNIVERSITY | HOMETOWN – VANCOUVER, BC
DOUBLE HONOURS — BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION & POLITICAL SCIENCE → BUSINESS
Jessica has a habit of creating opportunities where they don’t already exist. As Outreach Coordinator for Western’s flag football team, she helped raise more than $10,000 and coordinated the team’s trip to Football Canada’s Collegiate Nationals despite having no university funding. She also coaches a girls’ flag football team, represented BC at Nationals, and, as Sports Editor of The Western Gazette, championed greater coverage of women athletes and emerging sports. Whether she’s leading on the field, in the newsroom, or in the community, Jessica brings together business, advocacy, and storytelling in a way that’s impossible to ignore. We can’t wait to see where that combination takes her.
"I've had the privilege of experiencing the impact of SHE'S GOT NEXT firsthand through the community they've built. As a member of the inaugural Starting Five cohort, I'm excited to continue learning from the talented women leaders at SGN and carry those experiences with me as I build toward my future."
Ellie Saplywy
CHEERLEADING · UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA | HOMETOWN – VANCOUVER, BC
MSc KINESIOLOGY → SPORTS RESEARCH
Ellie has spent more than 15 years competing at the highest levels of all-star cheerleading, earning multiple World Championship medals with the Vancouver All-Stars, representing Team Canada, and competing on some of the sport’s biggest international stages. Today, she’s bringing that same passion to her academic work. As a graduate researcher at UBC, Ellie is studying how fandom develops in Canadian women’s U SPORTS athletics, with the goal of helping universities build stronger support for women’s varsity sport. She also contributes to research exploring how funding models affect physical activity for people living with limb loss—a project that’s deeply personal following her father’s amputation. She’s helping shape the future of sport both on and off the mat.
"Receiving the SHE'S GOT NEXT Starting Five Award means so much to me because I am passionate about sport and giving back to the next generation of women athletes. I am honoured to be part of the SHE'S GOT NEXT Leadership Cohort and look forward to connecting with and learning from such an inspiring group of women leaders in sport."
Kylee Speedy
BASKETBALL · UNIVERSITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK | HOMETOWN – FREDRICTON, NB
Kylee’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and giving back. After returning from a devastating ACL, MCL, and meniscus injury to help UNB win its first AUS championship in 27 years, she’s now turning her attention to understanding how athletes can be better supported. Her graduate research explores whether autonomy-supportive coaching can help protect athletes from burnout, laying the foundation for a future PhD and career in sport psychology. Alongside her studies, she’s coached youth basketball for eight years and has long been involved in community service in Fredericton. Kylee’s goal is simple but powerful: to help athletes and coaches build healthier, more sustainable high-performance environments.
"Receiving the SHE'S GOT NEXT Starting Five Award means so much to me because I am passionate about sport and giving back to the next generation of women athletes. I am honoured to be part of the SHE'S GOT NEXT Leadership Cohort and look forward to connecting with and learning from such an inspiring group of women leaders in sport."
THE STARTING FIVE AWARD
More than a grant. A community committed to opening doors.
The Starting Five was built around what athletes told us they wished existed during one of the biggest transitions of their careers. Funding matters—but so do mentorship, introductions, and having accomplished women in your corner so young women don’t have to navigate what comes next alone.
Every recipient receives $1,200 in funding, membership in SHE’S GOT NEXT, access to The Huddle—our signature mentorship experience led by women who’ve successfully navigated the transition beyond playing sport—and a community committed to supporting the next generation on as many levels as we can.
SUPPORT THE MISSION
Help us do more of this.
Choosing just five wasn’t easy. With more members and supporters, we can help even more remarkable women take their next step.
Invest in Change
Every donation helps fund future Starting Five recipients and the programs that support women athletes across the country. Every dollar stays in Canadian women’s sport.
Join SHE'S GOT NEXT
Be part of a community that’s committed to creating more opportunities for women through sport. The Starting Five is one example of what happens when accomplished women come together to support the next generation. One-third of every membership fee goes directly to supporting women athletes and sports programs.
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